Protective case

ABSTRACT

A protective case which includes two mating case components and a liner extending between a peripheral area for mating engagement to ensure a relatively sealed relationship when the case components are closed. A latch face is a single elongated element on the front and has two spaced interlocking components to cooperate with hooks in the opposite case component.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation and claims the benefit or the priorfiling date of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/719,309, filed Nov. 21,2003, which is a continuation-in-part and claims the benefit of theprior filing date of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/001,652, filedOct. 31, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,698,608, all herein incorporated byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND Field

This invention relates in general to a protective case. In particular,it is concerned with a case which permits for effective shock absorbanceto components contained in the case.

Many different carrying cases are known for containing and protectingcomponents. The different cases have different characteristics, eachwith different limitations. These cases do not have an effective closureand latching characteristics operable in a useful and easy manner, anddo not necessarily provide for effectively sealing the container in aneasy manner.

The present invention is directed to providing a suitable protectivecase for securely and sealingly carrying components. The case alsopermits for relatively straightforward and positive latching withcomponents which are easier to use than latches in known cases. The caseseeks to overcome the limitations of known cases.

SUMMARY

According to the invention, there is provided a carrying case whichincludes a body having two mating components and a peripheral area formating engagement to ensure a relatively sealed relationship when thecomponents are closed. A liner material conformingly fits in the spaceformed by the components. The liner material has a conforming fit andpreferably provides a sealing component for the peripheral area betweenthe two mating components. The peripheral edge of the liner is arrangedfor location in the peripheral area between the two mating components.

An elongated latch is provided which extend substantially across abouthalf of the length of the front of the case. The latch includes a facemember extending at least about half the length of the front. There aretwo spaced locking members for releasably engaging interlocking elementsmounted on one of the components, and the latch is hingedly mounted onthe other component.

The two elements of the body are mating upper and lower components. Eachis made of relatively rigid material, and each has a peripheralformation to engage the mating peripheral formation of the othercomponent. Two spaced hinges are located along the back to permitopening and closure. A handle is located on one of the elements at aside between the front and the back of the case.

A purge valve permits for ingress and egress of pressure to equilibratethe pressure between the inside and the outside of the body.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be apparent from the following detailed description ofthe preferred embodiments which makes reference to several drawingfigures.

DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent with reference to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like referencenumerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one form of a case according to theinvention with a base component and a top component shown in closedrelationship.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the different components of the caseshowing a liner insert which fits within the case separate from the twocomponents of the case.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the case.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the case at the location in themiddle of the latch.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the sealing formations between the top andthe bottom portions of the case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the preferred embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings which form the part thereof, and inwhich are shown by way of illustration of specific embodiments in whichthe invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may bemade without departing from the scope of the present invention.

A carrying case 20 includes two mating components 22 and 24 which formsurrounding material for the case. The top component 24 includes aperipheral lip 26 extending around the periphery for mating engagementwith a peripheral slot 29 on the bottom component 22 to ensure arelatively closed relationship when the components 22 and 24 are closed.The opening and closure of the components 22 and 24 provide access to aspace defined by the surrounding material or closure to the space. Thetwo components 22 and 24 are each made of a relatively rigidpolycarbonate plastic material. A pair of hinges 28 and 30 are locatedalong a first side, namely the back side, 51, to permit opening andclosure.

A liner material 32 fits in the space in the surrounding material formedby the components 22 and 24. The liner material 32 has a base 34 and aninner peripheral wall 36. The liner material 32 is shaped to conformsubstantially to the inside of one of the components 22.

There is a peripheral edge 33 around the liner 32 which fits snugglyinto the peripheral slot 29.

The peripheral edge 33 has two legs 60 and 62 which are spaced apart sothat there is a space 64 between legs 60 and 62. When the lip 26 engagesand forces down on the face 66 of the edge 33 there is a deformationwhich is achieved, and the extra space 64 can thereby become smaller.

This interaction creates an effective sealing interengagement. There isa bringing lateral portion 68 between the edge portion 33 and the walls36 of the insert 32.

There is a single latch 38 to secure the two compounds 22 and 24together in a closed relationship. The latch 38 includes a single facemember 40 which extends to at least about, and preferably more than halfthe length of the front 41 of the case. There are a pair of lockingmembers 42 and 44 which are spread apart towards the ends of the facehook like formations 49 on the opposite component 22. This latchstructure 38 by extending over a large length of the front of the caseis easy to operate both to open or close. The two locking elements 42and 44 at the end are spaced apart sufficiently to give an effectivelocking pressure appropriately distributed over the interface of thecomponents on the front of the case.

The latch 38 is located on element 24 and permit hook latching withmating component on element 22. Effectively, the single face 40 for thelatch 38 is user friendly and is easier to use than separate latchelements. Only a single motion or step to move the face 40 is necessaryto effect the double latching 42-49 and 44-49. Prior art cases requireeach latch to be activated to closure or disengagement separately.

A handle 50 for pulling or carrying the case is located on one of thecomponents 22 on a side between the back 51 and the front 41. The handle50 is suitably molded as part of component 22.

A purge valve 52 permits for ingress and egress of pressure toequilibrate the pressure between the inside and the outside of the case.The purge valve in the body permits equilibration of pressure. The valveis “mounted” in one wall of the component 22, and preferably inhibitspassage of moisture through the valve, while permitting passage of air.A purge knob 54 is also provided to cooperate with valve 52.

Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. For instance instead of the tight sealing arrangement of thecomponents using the liner edge 33, there can instead be an O-ring whichis used to conform to the space between the end of the lip 26 and theperipheral slot 29 in a manner to provide sealing between thecomponents. The liner hereby forms a double function, not only as aprotective liner, but it also acts as part of the sealing arrangement.

Instead of the liner 32 being molded to fit snuggly with the entireperimeter outer walls of the case, the liner insert 32 may only be inpart of one component of the case, namely where the liner 32 is used atthe peripheral edge. There could be several separate components makingup the liner 32. Also, in some situations, the purge valve may not beused in every embodiment of the case. In other situations there may beonly a single latch and a different hinge formation, for instance apiano hinge.

By having a fairly rigid outside component structure to the case,together with a liner removal insert conforming to whole or part of theinterior there is provided an effective protective case with a highlevel of sealing closure to house components. The shape of the interiorof the liner can be formed to effectively accommodate different elementsto prevent undue movement of the elements to be earned. One or moreadditional inserts to prevent shock absorbance can be provided insidethe liner insert. The outer components can be transparent, translucent,opaque or colored as required. The liner can be similarly formed withdifferent colors and/or transparency or translucency characteristics.

On the side of the case there is also provided means 60 for anchoring amovable ring 62 to permit the case to be carried in a different manner.The foregoing is a description of the preferred embodiments of theinvention and has been presented for the purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise form disclosed.

While the apparatus and method have been described in terms of what arepresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to thedisclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications andsimilar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims,the scope of which should be accorded the broadest interpretation so asto encompass all such modifications and similar structures. The presentdisclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.

1-8. (canceled)
 9. A carrying case comprising: a generally rectangularbody of surrounding material having a first component and a secondcomponent for opening and closing together thereby to provide access toa space defined by the surrounding material, each component having asealing area for location adjacent a respective sealing area of theopposite component and walls for each of the first and secondcomponents; a hinge mounted exteriorly between the first and secondcomponents; a liner fitting in the space in the surrounding material; anelongated latch mounted exterior to a top wall and a bottom wall, thetop and bottom walls each being one of the walls for the first andsecond components respectively, the latch having two side ends, a tip,and at least one slot parallel to the side ends; a pair of top wallextensions extending from the top wall, the top wall extensions eachlocated beside a respective side end of the latch such that the latchextends longitudinally approximately from one top wall extension to theother top wall extension; at least one intermediate support extensionextending from the top wall, the at least one intermediate supportextension located between the pair of top wall extensions, theintermediate support extension being received in the slot on the latchin both locked and unlocked positions of the latch; and an interlockingelement on the latch and a cooperating hook element on the secondcomponent for engaging the interlocking element.
 10. A carrying case asclaimed in claim 9 further including a valve on one of the first andsecond components and an opening in the liner for allowing pressureequilibration between the space in the surrounding material and a spaceoutside the surrounding material.
 11. A carrying case as claimed inclaim 9 further including a pair of bottom wall extensions extendingfrom the bottom wall, the bottom wall extensions each being locatedbeside a respective side end of the latch such that the latch is locatedbetween the bottom wall extensions, each bottom wall extension having anat least one bottommost point, the bottommost point being below the tipof the latch.
 12. A carrying case as claimed in claim 9 furtherincluding a second interlocking element on the latch, such that the twointerlocking elements are spaced towards respective side ends of thelatch and the cooperating hook element on the second component engagesthe two interlocking elements.
 13. A carrying case as claimed in claim 9wherein both the first and second components are made of translucent orat least partially translucent material, and wherein the liner isopaque.
 14. A carrying case comprising: a generally rectangular body ofsurrounding material having a first component and a second component foropening and closing together thereby to provide access to a spacedefined by the surrounding material, each component having a sealingarea for location adjacent a respective sealing area of the oppositecomponent and walls for each of the first and second components; a hingemounted exteriorly between the first and second components; a linerfitting in the space in the surrounding material; an elongated latchmounted exterior to a top wall and a bottom wall, the top and bottomwalls each being one of the walls for the first and second componentsrespectively, the elongated latch having two side ends; a pair of topwall extensions extending from the top wall, the top wall extensionseach located beside a respective end of the latch such that the latchextends longitudinally approximately from one top wall extension to theother top wall extension; at least one intermediate support extensionextending from the top wall, the at least one intermediate supportextension having a width and being located between the pair of top wallextensions; a first length and second length of the latch, the latchbeing located such that: (a) the first length of the latch is locatedbetween one of the top wall extensions and the closest intermediatesupport extension to the one top wall extension; (b) the second lengthof the latch is located between the other top wall extension and theclosest intermediate support extension to the other top wall extension;the first length and second length both being substantially longer thanthe width of the at least one intermediate support extension; and aninterlocking element on the latch and a cooperating hook element on thesecond component for engaging the interlocking element.
 15. A carryingcase as claimed in claim 14 further including a valve on one of thefirst and second components and an opening in the liner for allowingpressure equilibration between the space in the surrounding material anda space outside the surrounding material.
 16. A carrying case as claimedin claim 14 further including a pair of bottom wall extensions extendingfrom the bottom wall, the bottom wall extensions each being locatedbeside a respective side end of the latch such that the latch is locatedbetween the bottom wall extensions, each bottom wall extension having anat least one bottommost point, the bottommost point being below the tipof the latch.
 17. A carrying case as claimed in claim 14 furtherincluding a second interlocking element on the latch, such that the twointerlocking elements are spaced towards respective side ends of thelatch and the cooperating hook element on the second component engagesthe two interlocking elements.
 18. A carrying case as claimed in claim14 wherein both the first and second components are made of translucentor at least partially translucent material, and wherein the liner isopaque.
 19. A carrying case comprising: a body of surrounding materialhaving a first component and a second component for opening and closingtogether thereby to provide access to a space defined by the surroundingmaterial, each component having a sealing area for location adjacent arespective sealing area of the opposite component and walls for each ofthe first and second components; a hinge mounted exteriorly between thefirst and second components; a liner fitting in the space in thesurrounding material; a single elongated latch centrally mountedexterior to a top wall and a bottom wall, the top and bottom walls eachbeing one of the walls for the first and second components respectively,the elongated latch having two side ends; a pair of top wall extensionsextending from the top wall, the top wall extensions each located besidea respective side end of the latch such that the latch extendsapproximately longitudinally from one top wall extension to the othertop wall extension; two interlocking elements on the latch, the twointerlocking elements spaced towards respective side ends of the latch;and a cooperating hook element on the second component for engaging thetwo interlocking elements; wherein a single motion on the latch effectsdouble-latching of both interlocking elements with the cooperating hookelement.
 20. A carrying case as claimed in claim 19 wherein theelongated latch extends longitudinally for about half the length of thefront of the case.
 21. A carrying case as claimed in claim 19 furtherincluding a value on one of the first and second components and anopening in the liner for allowing pressure equilibration between thespace in the surrounding material and a space outside the surroundingmaterial.
 22. A carrying case as claimed in claim 19 further including apair of bottom wall extensions extending from the bottom wall, thebottom wall extensions each being located beside a respective side endof the latch such that the latch is located between the bottom wallextensions, each bottom wall extension having an at least one bottommostpoint, the bottommost point being below the tip of the latch.
 23. Acarrying case as claimed in claim 19 wherein both the first and secondcomponents are made of translucent or at least partially translucentmaterial, and wherein the liner is opaque.
 24. A carrying casecomprising: a body of surrounding material having a first component anda second component for opening and closing together thereby to provideaccess to a space defined by the surrounding material, each componenthaving a sealing area for location adjacent a respective sealing area ofthe opposite component and walls for each of the first and secondcomponents; a hinge mounted exteriorly between the first and secondcomponents; a liner fitting in the space in the surrounding material; asingle elongated latch centrally mounted exterior to a top wall and abottom wall, the top and bottom walls each being one of the walls forthe first and second components respectively, the elongated latch havingtwo side ends; a pair of top wall extensions extending from the topwall, the top wall extensions each located beside a respective side endof the latch such that the latch extends approximately longitudinallyfrom one top wall extension to the other top wall extension; twointerlocking elements on the latch, the two interlocking elements spacedtowards respective side ends of the latch; and two locking members onthe second component for individually engaging a respective interlockingelement; wherein a single motion on the latch effects double-latching ofboth interlocking elements with the two locking members.
 25. A carryingcase as claimed in claim 24 wherein the elongated latch extendslongitudinally for about half the length of the front of the case.
 26. Acarrying case as claimed in claim 24 further including a value on one ofthe first and second components and an opening in the liner for allowingpressure equilibration between the space in the surrounding material anda space outside the surrounding material.
 27. A carrying case as claimedin claim 24 further including a pair of bottom wall extensions extendingfrom the bottom wall, the bottom wall extensions each being locatedbeside a respective side end of the latch such that the latch is locatedbetween the bottom wall extensions, each bottom wall extension having anat least one bottommost point, the bottommost point being below the tipof the latch.
 28. A carrying case as claimed in claim 24 wherein boththe first and second components are made of translucent or at leastpartially translucent material, and wherein the liner is opaque.